Custom East-West Division Essay

Thomas Jefferson is one of the greatest founding father of the US. He had a vision of a just republic for America, where he gave the people the first priority. Jefferson did not favor the creation of institutions or organizations that would have power to manipulate the people. He was totally opposed to the formation of banks and commercial monopolies. He also disliked the idea of a standing idea. Jefferson favored the idea that people would not entirely depend on external agencies for subsistence. He favored rural farming as the basis of the economy. Furthermore, he was a strong advocate for self-government. He also disliked the idea of extreme taxation system. According to him, the government is supposed to be chosen and run by the people themselves (Davidson & Stoff, 2003).

Analyzing his dream just like that of other founding fathers, the economy of the US was supposed be a decentralized and agrarian. On the other hand, Hamilton was in favor of a commercialized economy, dominated by manufacturing industries. He also advocated for an economy dominated by trade and a country with an elite military. His vision showed his devotion to replace Britain’s supremacy. During this time England was the leading economy and Hamilton tried to do all he could to see that the US superseded Britain. However, his determinations only lead America to incur huge debts.

If America adopted Jefferson’s dream of an agrarian state, it would be forced to rely on the slave labor. On the other hand, Hamilton’s vision showed acceptance to corporations that laid down the required infrastructure and helped to transform the US economy. Modernization was embraced.

The East-West Division has an origin back to the colonial era. During this time, cotton and other crops grown in Southern America were shipped to Britain. To some people this form of trade was a “progressive” move. It led to the construction of railroad to facilitate movement to Britain’s industries. Federal governments became involved to enact tariffs. They also provided army to remove the Indians from lands that attracted Europeans. These regional differences led to the cultural and political divide in the US. During the 1928 elections, Herbert Hoover defeated the democrat Al Smith based on promising regional economic developments.

During the 1940-1941 the foreign policy debate across relationship was established by the US and Britain on the agreement to exchange arms for Britain to use in the war for a 99-year Lease on Britain’s colonies in the US Caribbean.